ALFRED FORTIER

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ALFRED FORTIER November 13, 1939- July 27, 2002 Peacefully, on July 27, 2002, with his family by his side, Fred passed away. He will be remembered and sadly missed by his wife Mariette Messner-Fortier; daughter Jacqueline (Amaro Silva) and sons, Mark (Tina) and Edward (Chantal) as well as three precious grandchildren, Emily and Thomas Silva and Stéphane Fortier. Fred also leaves to mourn his father Léo; sisters, Lucille (Greg) Gaudet and Paulette (Ben) Gaudet and brother Denis (Denise) Fortier and his in-laws, Andy (Gisèle) Messner, Anita (George) Droux, Remi (Linda) Messner, Claire (Lawrence) DeGraeve, Dennis (Anna) Messner, Yvonne (Jack Shaw) Messner. He was predeceased by his mother Jeanne Godaert; two sisters, Edith and Diane; his in-laws, Nicholas and Laurette Messner, Hilda (Armel) Labossière and Edward Messner. Fred also leaves many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, friends and colleagues from near and far who will miss him dearly. Fred was born and raised on the family farm near Saint-Léon. After completing school there, he attended Normal School for one summer and went on to teach one year in Saint-Laurent. This experience remained close to his heart throughout his life and contributed greatly to his love of the Métis people and their history. Upon his return to Somerset he served as Secretary-Treasurer of Lorne Municipality until 1973. He then returned to teaching at Somerset Collegiate where he was also the librarian, putting his enormous love of books to good use. Twenty years ago he began working with the Société franco-manitobaine where he worked tirelessly for the franco-manitoban community. After moving to Winnipeg, Fred became director of the Société historique de Saint-Boniface in 1990, at that time located in tiny, cramped quarters. With the help of many others who shared his vision, and with much begging at the doors of all levels of government, Freds dream came true with the construction of the Centre du patrimoine. No one was more happy or proud than he, when the Centre opened to the public. He spent countless hours working on family genealogies and doing other research and writing. One of many highlights was the visit of the Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and His Excellency John Ralston Saul. Without a doubt the saddest moment was when his sickness forced him to leave the Centre. Fred was very active in different community organizations in both Somerset and Saint-Léon. He was especially committed to the planning of the Saint-Léon Centennial in 1979. For many years, he played the organ in the church every Sunday and holidays as well as for many weddings and funerals. In later years, while living in Winnipeg, Fred also served on the board of directors of the Festival du Voyageur. Though Fred lived with diabetes for 37 years and had two major heart attacks, ultimately it was cancer that struck him. During his short illness, he and his family were deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support expressed by family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint-Boniface General Hospital for their excellent care and compassion. Cremation has already taken place. As per Freds wishes, the cremains will rest in the Salon Empire in the Centre du patrimoine at 340 Provencher Blvd., where family and friends are invited to spend a quiet moment of reflection on Wednesday, July 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A memorial celebration of life will then follow in the Salle Pauline Boutal of the Centre culturel franco-manitobain at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place in the Saint-Léon Catholic Church, Saint-Léon, MB with Père Gérald Labossière omi officiating at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1. Interment to follow in the Saint-Léon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Fred had requested that donations be made to the Centre du patrimoine, 340 Provencher, Saint-Boniface, MB R2H 0G7. For further information, please call the Centre du patrimoine at 233-4888. Arrangements entrusted to: WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897-4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 30, 2002